6/28/2013 |
Belisle hoping a clear mind is key to snapping skidMatt Belisle gave up Marlon Byrd's game-winning homer on Thursday and has been touched for 12 earned runs in his last seven appearances. The slide is out of character for Belisle, who went into Friday's game with the most appearances of any Major League reliever over the last three years.

6/28/2013 |
Nicasio optioned to make room for BetancourtWhen the Rockies reached a crossroads with right-hander Juan Nicasio, they decided to maintain the path of developing him as a starting pitcher. For Nicasio, that means he must hit the road to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

6/28/2013 |
Weiss says Pomeranz will start SundayRockies manager Walt Weiss announced officially that left-hander Drew Pomeranz will be called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs to start Sunday afternoon against the Giants.

6/28/2013 |
Rox scratch Fowler from lineup due to hand injuryThe Rockies aborted an attempt to return switch-hitting outfielder Dexter Fowler to the lineup Friday night against Giants left-hander Barry Zito due to an ailing right hand and wrist.

6/28/2013 |
LeMahieu proves to be strong option at secondThe year began with DJ LeMahieu playing shortstop in Triple-A with the goal of proving to the Rockies that he could fill in at shortstop if something happened to Troy Tulowitzki. But LeMahieu has played himself into being the first option at second base.

6/28/2013 |
Maxwell available off bench in openerAstros outfielder Justin Maxwell, who was diagnosed with a mild concussion after his face hit the ground while diving for a ball on Tuesday, was cleared to play by doctors on Friday.

6/28/2013 |
Leyland: July 14 starters won't pitch in All-Star GameAmerican League All-Star Game manager Jim Leyland said Friday that although pitchers who start games on Sunday, July 14, will be welcome on the team, he will not use them in the All-Star Game two days later.

6/28/2013 |
Sanchez to make rehab start on MondayAnibal Sanchez will throw 60 pitches in a Minor League rehab game on Monday, either at Class A Lakeland, in the Gulf Coast League or for Double-A Erie, depending upon the weather.

6/28/2013 |
Missouri's Majors count adds Twins' GibsonThe University of Missouri clan in the Major Leagues is growing with Saturday's addition of right-hander Kyle Gibson, who'll start for the Twins against the Royals. Gibson, who will make his Major League debut, was a teammate of Royals reliever Aaron Crow for the 2007-08 Tigers.

6/28/2013 |
Paulino scratched from Sunday rehab stintPitcher Felipe Paulino's return to his Minor League injury rehab assignment has been delayed. He was supposed to pitch on Sunday for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, but that's been scrubbed.

6/28/2013 |
Guthrie fine despite some bruised fingersRoyals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie took a sharply-hit batted ball off the fingers on his right hand in Thursday night's 3-1 loss to the Twins, but isn't expected to miss his next start.

6/28/2013 |
Royals release veteran left-hander SherrillLeft-hander George Sherrill, a longtime Major Leaguer, was released on Friday by the Royals' Triple-A Omaha club. Sherrill, who was recovering from Tommy John surgery on May 4, 2012, has played with Seattle, Baltimore, the Dodgers and Atlanta in a nine-year big league career.

6/28/2013 |
Pounders nearly perfect in Double-A no-noAlmost perfect. That was right-hander Brooks Pounders as he pitched a no-hitter for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Royals' Double-A afilliate, to stifle the Midland RockHounds, 11-0, on Thursday night at Springdale, Ark.

6/28/2013 |
Marlins try to keep hot-hitting Ruggiano freshJustin Ruggiano has been one of the Marlins' most productive hitters this month. In hopes of keeping things that way, the 31-year-old outfielder is getting periodic days offs, so he was out of the lineup Friday.

6/28/2013 |
Redmond praises Nolasco for professionalismPlenty of focus regarding trade discussions was sure to be on Ricky Nolasco as he made his 17th start of the season for the Marlins on Friday night. But the way Nolasco has conducted himself around a young team has enriched his respect within the organization and Mike Redmond.

6/28/2013 |
Bullpen making big contribution in JuneTimely hitting and strong starting pitching have led to the Marlins enjoying a strong June. Not to be overlooked in the club's first winning month of the season is the bullpen. The relievers have in fact played a major role in the turnaround.

6/28/2013 |
Angels trying to maintain momentum in HoustonAfter Friday's hard-fought win over the Astros, the Angels will send Joe Blanton to the hill on Saturday against Jordan Lyles as Los Angeles looks to push its win streak to five games.